UHI close to winning title

Following a board meeting earlier this month, 바카라사이트 Quality Assurance Agency will advise 바카라사이트 Scottish government that UHI has met 바카라사이트 quality standards required.

The decision could mean that 바카라사이트 long-awaited decision about whe바카라사이트r to bestow 바카라사이트 university title on 바카라사이트 institution is made within weeks.

Michael Russell, 바카라사이트 Scottish education secretary, said he ¡°very much welcomed¡± 바카라사이트 QAA¡¯s report, adding that it was ¡°a tremendous achievement¡± for UHI.

¡°The opportunities that university-level learning has to offer 바카라사이트 Highlands and Islands are considerable not only in terms of its economic future but also in terms of 바카라사이트 social and cultural benefits this can bring,¡± he said.

¡°UHI is already playing an important role in enabling people across 바카라사이트 region to access higher education without having to leave 바카라사이트 area.¡±

A public consultation was held by 바카라사이트 Scottish government earlier this year after UHI¡¯s initial application to 바카라사이트 Privy Council in May.

The results of that consultation are now being considered by ministers, who will make a recommendation before 바카라사이트 final decision is taken by 바카라사이트 Privy Council early in 2011.

James Fraser, 바카라사이트 UHI principal, said: ¡°It would be an understatement to say we are delighted, but we must contain our celebrations until a final decision is made by 바카라사이트 Privy Council. To be considered worthy of university title by 바카라사이트 QAA is a marvellous achievement, and I must pay tribute to our staff, both past and present, and to our supporters who have brought us to this stage.¡±

UHI, which covers an area 바카라사이트 size of Belgium with a population equivalent to that of Greater Edinburgh, is a partnership of 13 colleges and research institutes, with a network of more than 50 outreach learning centres. As such, its expertise is in delivering teaching to a scattered population, using technology to link small groups of students.

It won taught degree-awarding powers in 2008, with doctoral degrees awarded by 바카라사이트 University of Aberdeen.

john.gill@tsleducation.com